In
1967, John Martyn became the first white solo act to sign with Island
Records. While this is notable in the history of the label, his initial
release, London Conversation, on the other hand, stands as a mere
footnote. The record, though incorporating touches of blues and his
characteristic guitar and vocal, doesn't really prepare you for what's
to come from Martyn. The album is a basic, no-frills, guitar and voice
effort, although one track, the droning dulcimer and flute-driven
"Rolling Home," shows Martyn's urge to stretch, which would
become much more evident in the coming years. His vocal delivery is
traditionally British, while his playing is steeped in the eclectic
folk of British artists such as Davey Graham and Bert Jansch, as well
as American blues and folk. London Conversation, whose material (written
primarily by Martyn) reflects the era and his age (18 years old),
comes across as a young, although soon to be important artist looking
for a voice.

- Brett Hartenbach (AMG)

John's
debut album was recorded in mono and released in October 1967 when
John was 20 years old. The album is in the folk tradition and contains
some excellent lyrics and jazzy instrumentation such as the sitar
and flute in Rolling Home. As a result it won praise and the instrumentation
distinguished John from his contemporaries in the folk scene. Back
To Stay is a beautiful love song with a sad and dreamy melody, a sign
of things to come !

It is reported that John had
only been playing the guitar for a few months when the album was recorded
and was influenced by two people in particular that he knew . "Les
Brown, who is completely unknown and has never recorded...he plays
a kind of American Doc Watson guitar very very well. Lovely voice.
Also a friend of mine called Paul Wheeler who is featured on the second
album."